Putin and Medvedev join May Day rally

May 1 - Tens of thousands of trade unionists and students are joined by President Dmitry Mdvedev and Prime Minister Vladmir Putin in traditional May Day march through Moscow. Sarah Wali reports

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Tens of thousands of trade unionists and students walk through Moscow during the traditional May Day march.
Russian President Dmitry Mdvedev and president-elect Prime Minister Vladimir Putin headed the procession.
The crowd stopped in front of the Lenin Library where the two leaders spoke with students and workers.
The march, also known in Russia as "The Day of Spring and Labour", was organized by trade unions and the ruling United Russia party.
Participants carried banners and Russian flags as well as pro-government placards as they walked through Manezh square.
Communist supporters rallied against the ruling party, claiming their policies were dividing the country.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) COMMUNIST LEADER GENNADY ZYUGANOV, SAYING:
"...a great people and our friendship were betrayed for selfish motives, clan interests, which are tearing apart our contry today. They have no justice and no solidarity."
May Day labour celebrations are observed throughout the world.
Sarah Wali, Reuters

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